The terrorist group Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) first emerged in Pakistan in 2000. After the killing of Baloch leader Akbar Khan Bugti in August 2006, the banned outfit intensified its anti-state activities.
Since then, the group has launched numerous attacks on Pakistani security forces, civilians, Chinese nationals in Pakistan, and people of Punjab working in Balochistan.
- On December 14, 2006, BLA militants launched an attack on a paramilitary camp in Kohlu District, targeting then-President Pervez Musharraf. Although he was unharmed.
- 2009: killed school teacher Anwar Baig on June 14 for opposing Baloch nationalism in education. Later that month, they kidnapped 19 police officers in Sui, resulting in multiple casualties
- 2013: The BLA claimed responsibility for the abduction and murder of 11 bus passengers near Machh Town on August 6.
- 2018: On November 23, BLA militants attacked the Chinese consulate in Karachi, killing four individuals.
- 2019: The group targeted the Zaver Pearl-Continental Hotel in Gwadar on May 11.
- 2020: On June 29, attacked the Pakistan Stock Exchange in Karachi but security forces foiled the attack.
- 2022: Chinese nationals were targeted at the University of Karachi, with many casualties.
- 2023: The BLA reported conducting 247 attacks against security forces, claiming significant casualties among Pakistani soldiers. Their operations included high-profile assaults and suicide missions aimed at military personnel and infrastructure.
- 2024: In August, a series of coordinated attacks resulted in over 70 deaths across Balochistan.
- Yesterday, at least three people were killed in a BLA attack outside Karachi Airport. the Chinese national coming out from Jinnah International Airport was allegedly targeted in the blast.
Demands of the terrorist group:
The BLA allegedly has many demands from the government of Pakistan, but these demands have never been presented to the state formally, however, leaders of the group highlight the below demands on social media or in talks with media especially with foreign media.
- Resource Control:
BLA demands that the Baloch people should be given the authority to have control over the natural resources of the province. These resources included oil, gas, and minerals.
- More Autonomy:
The BLA wants greater political and administrative autonomy for Balochistan within Pakistan, however, some factions within the BLA support the idea of self-determination, suggesting that the Baloch people should have the right to determine their political status, including the possibility of independence from Pakistan.
- End to Military Operations:
The BLA demands an end to military operations and security crackdowns in Balochistan.
- Release of Political Prisoners and Missing Persons:
The group calls for the release of Baloch political activists and leaders who have been detained or disappeared.
